When I was elected County Executive in Mercer County, I promised to do everything in my power to create an administration that would demonstrate those highest ideals of public service. To that end, we introduced two ordinances - later unanimously approved by the Board of Chosen Freeholders- that takes crucial steps towards reforming this system. I must thank the entire Board of Freeholders for their integral role in this effort.

Under these ordinances, entities seeking professional services or redevelopment contracts with Mercer County are limited to a $400 donation to any candidate for County office or any political action committee organized to promote or support such candidates within one calendar year immediately preceding the date of the contract or agreement. These business entities will be required to submit a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury that they have not violated this Act. Violations of the law will result in the business entity being declared ineligible for future Mercer County contracts for a period of four years from the time of the violation. The Office of Inspector General- an office whose creation was one of our first steps towards reforming County government- has been responsible for the implementation of the ordinances, which took effect in February.